By Now Aluminium
A little condensation, particularly in the morning, isn’t anything you need to worry too much about. The problems arise when you see a lot of condensation and especially when you start seeing that condensation inside or within the glass panes of your aluminium bifold doors.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about condensation on aluminium bifold doors and how you can stop it.
Should you be concerned about condensation on aluminium bifold doors?
Seeing some condensation on your bifold doors doesn’t need to immediately set the alarm bells ringing. When you see droplets on the outside of your doors, it’s actually a good thing. It means your doors are working properly and are keeping the cold on the outside and the heat in your home.
On the other hand, seeing condensation on the bifold door frame inside your home can be a little more concerning. It suggests that there may be issues with your doors and can potentially lead to even greater problems.
Dangers of condensation
Unwanted condensation can be problematic for both your aluminium bifold doors and your home.
The most common issue associated with condensation is mould and mildew. These are funguses that like to grow on cold and wet surfaces and can rot away wood and damage mortar leading to potentially expensive repairs. Mould can also lead to health complications for people, particularly those that suffer with asthma and bronchitis.
The other major issue with condensation is the impact it can have on your aluminium bifold doors. If the condensation gets inside the frame of your doors, it can lead to warping that eventually will require repair or replacement.
Causes of condensation on aluminium bifold doors
There are a few different factors that can cause condensation on aluminium bifold doors:
Lack of ventilation
Poor ventilation is what traps moisture and leads to the condensation you may see within your home. Poor ventilation can be caused by things like: drying clothes indoors, lack of circulation, cooking and even changing temperatures.
Faulty seals
Most bifold doors will have some kind of seal and weather stripping to guard against water and wind damage.
However, if you haven’t bought your doors from a quality purveyor like NOW Aluminium, you may experience your weather stripping or seals become degraded. This means water is able to penetrate these weak points which can lead to warping and damage to the doors mechanisms.
Single glazing
In the colder Winter months, single pane glazing is particularly susceptible to condensation. This is because single pane glazed doors do not insulate well and the glass isn’t able to warm up. And when the warm inside air touches the cold glazing, you end up with condensation on the inside of your doors.
How to stop condensation on aluminium bifold doors
Follow these tips to protect your bifold doors from condensation:
Ventilate your home
Ventilation is a known cause of condensation so one of your first steps should be to increase airflow and ventilation in the area. This means things like using your extractor fan when you cook, opening windows so you have a flow of air or even using fans.
Use a dehumidifier
Excess moisture can lead to condensation so using a dehumidifier can help keep humidity out of the room. You should also try to avoid drying your clothes inside as that can increase the humidity levels too.
Replace single glazing with double glazing
If you haven’t double glazed your bifold doors, you should really consider doing so. Not only will this help protect you from condensation but it will also help insulate your home.
Buy higher quality aluminium bifold doors
When you buy from a trusted supplier like NOW Aluminium, you can expect thermally efficient doors and high quality weather stripping as standard. Many of the issues with condensation you may face comes from having a cheaper product.
All NOW Aluminium doors are thermally broken which means there is additional material integrated within the profile that conducts virtually no heat between the inside and outside frame.
Summary
Condensation on your aluminium bifold doors can be an issue if you allow it to fester. Condensation can lead to warping, problems with your doors mechanisms and even mould. Being proactive and following the steps to avoid condensation is the best way to react.
But if you don’t want to worry about condensation at all, then you should buy your aluminium bifold doors from a reputable supplier who won’t cut corners. If you're looking for condensation-proof bifold doors, then get in touch with NOW Aluminium today.
